Differences Between Sunnis and Shiites

While the dispute appears politically grounded, it also derives from Islam’s central ideological division. While many Muslims consider Saudi Arabia as the leading power in the Sunni Muslim world, Iran and its theological regime is often thought of as its chief Shiite rival.

Both sects consider themselves Muslims and their beliefs, symbols and religious practices are very similar, but there are a few important differences between them.

Shiites believe the Prophet Mohammed should have been succeeded by his son-in-law, Imam Ali, and leadership of the Muslim world should pass through the prophet’s descendants. Sunnis don’t believe the leadership of the Muslim world should necessarily pass through hereditary succession.

Sunnis greatly outnumber Shiites, constituting nearly 90% of the global community of Muslims. The governments of some Persian Gulf countries—including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates—are Sunni, while Iran and Iraq are ruled by Shiites. Syria’s regime is Alawite, a Shiite offshoot.

Shiites and Sunnis pray differently: Sunnis cross their arms, while Shiites keep their arms by their sides. Sunnis observe five daily prayer sessions; Shiites condense the five prayers into three sessions.